Apollo 13: Survival Review – A nail-biting, well edited documentary film

A nail-biting, well edited documentary film

Apollo 13: Survival is a well written and tense documentary film, retelling the iconic space story that had the entire world holding their breath and crossing their fingers. This is, of course, the story of Apollo 13.

For those unaware, in April 1970, NASA faced the greatest challenge in its history, revolving around three astronauts – James A. Lovell, John L. “Jack” Swigert and Fred W. Haise – who, halfway to the moon, were faced with a catastrophic explosion that threw the entire mission into jeopardy. With limited resources and needing to get back home, the entire story plays out like a Hollywood thriller, only far more raw and tense.

Before the rocket even launches though, the film explores the trio of astronauts, including their backstory, family make-up and how they feel about the Apollo 13 mission in general. There’s an ominous buzz hanging over this ahead of launch, with some even commenting in jest about the “unlucky 13” hanging over the spacecraft. In retrospect, this kinda feels like a bit of a jinx.

Netflix have done a really good job of capturing the essence of this story, with some excellent editing throughout. The archival footage blends with interviews, which are mostly captured over black and white pictures to really accentuate what’s being told. Not only that, but the film also uses that retro 70’s-esque graphics for its diagrams, specifically that of the spacecraft and explaining all the bells and whistles that went into this mission – and how they worked quickly, plotting for these brave astronauts to get home.

It’s actually quite remarkable how well the story is retold through this footage and massive props need to go to both director Peter Middleton and the editors in particular for this one. Apollo 13: Survival really does feel like an in-the-moment documentary, and not at all something that’s been spliced together using past footage.

The interviews are all insightful too and the pacing is excellent throughout. This is an easy documentary to get sucked into and the tense, nail-biting finale is built up brilliantly. Even if you know the story inside out, Apollo 13: Survival is a solid effort and definitely worth your time.

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